We Talk Shop

Ok so I am very far from a wine connoisseur, I am an enthusiast and in the process of developing and defining the different types of wine that I prefer. So I came across this wine the other day and thought that it looked interesting, ok the label is what originally attracted me – but of course you are going to look at a label that has (OOPS) written on it. So I grabbed a bottle of the Carmenere Merlot.

The wine is billed as Checky Little Red. That it is the lost grape of Bordeaux discovered in Chile masquerading as a Merlot! So I was intrigued and thought why not lets try it with some pasta.

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The wine was very smooth, full of a nice oaky flavor and was a great pairing with my ravioli dish.

This wine is not heavy at all and I think that it would go great with steak or even pizza. Check out there website and look at the other wines that they produce. So go grab a bottle of (OOPS) and have a great night!

Here’s a great taste combination for everyone who is a fan of hot and spicy food – Tabasco Olives. Now these aren’t your typical olives – they are swimming in Tabasco seasoning and have quite a kick! They are bursting with spicy flavor and are a great addition to martini, olive tapenade spread, and salads or just out of the jar.

I had some friends over recently and I made my homemade olive tapenade spread (recipe below), included some of the olives in the mix and they added just the right amount of flavor and spice. I placed the remaining olives on an antipasta tray, another great idea.

Here’s a copy of the recipe, you can toss a tablespoon with pasta for a light dinner idea:

1 ½ cups pitted kalamata olives

½ tablespoon of Tabasco olives

¼ cup chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons capers, drained

1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cloves garlic

Chopped red bell pepper, if desired

Assorted crackers, crusty bread

1. Place all ingredients except bell pepper and crackers/bread in food processor or blender. Cover and process, using quick on and off motions, until slightly coarse.
2. Spoon into serving dish. Sprinkle with bell pepper. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.

Get ‘em: If you can’t find them at your local grocery store, you can order them online.

I was in my Super Target the other day and noticed that they have also started selling their own brand of flavored waters, Archer Farms. Now this might not be new to some of you - but I don’t get out much - so I was intrigued and had to buy a four-pack. I was impressed with the variety of flavors; peach, lemon, spearmint & grape.

The spearmint sounded really refreshing, so that was the one that I decided to try. It was great. It was a really hot day and I made sure that the water had been in the frig for a while before I tried it and wow was it refreshing. Definitely something that I will buy again. The flavor was not overpowering, very subtle and light.

Folgers is offering a free sample of their new gourmet selections — you choose between Vanilla Biscotti or Lively Columbian.

Folgers isn’t the only company luring curious tastebuds, for those of you who are heart healthy, Kashi will send a free granola bar of their TLC Chewy Trail Mix.

Here’s a great dip that is perfect for football season, whether you are throwing the party or going to a tailgate picnic, this dip is perfect. Simply take a jar of Harry & David’s Pepper and Onion Relish, add in cream cheese and you have a dip that everyone will devour.
Another tip – I love to top grilled chicken with this relish!
Get em: Harry & David’s online or in their stores, 3 jars for $19.99 (and yes you are going to want to purchase multiple jars)

I am always on the lookout for a low-fat, great tasting snack - you need something low-fat to pair with the Friday’s spinach dip! I was in Target and spied Stacy’s Pita Chips, I thought that they would be a great with the spinach dip, afterall they did advertise on the packaging that they are the ultimate dipping chip.

Not only where they perfect for the dip, but they are great just by themselves as a mid-afternoon snack, and are incredible with hummus.

The chips are baked, all natural, low in fat, contain no trans fat and no cholesterol, pretty good for a chip.

They come in several flavors, but I recommend the Simply Naked with a touch of Sea Salt - they are yummy!

Get em: Target (small bags) $2.99 or BJ’s (large bag) $3.58.